is there a good way to get financial help for a 19 yr old with epilepsy medicine?

Question

i am off of my parents insurance now and my medicine costs a whole pay check. i need a way to fix that so i can be on my own and my parents dont half to pay for part of it any more. i need to have it or i will have siezures.

Answer 1

There are several programs designed to ensure that consumers receive the care and medicine they need to keep seizures under control even when one cannot afford to pay for the medicines.

Some people are eligible for special assistance with medication expenses because they fit the income guidelines for Medicaid. In addition, approximately 25 states now have special programs that offer medication assistance for the elderly or people with disabilities, even if the individual's income is too high to qualify for Medicaid. Furthermore, all states offer a state children's health insurance program that extends Medicaid coverage to children whose parents' income is too high to qualify them for Medicaid. The affiliate in your state will be able to tell you if your state has a special medication assistance program for people with disabilities like epilepsy, or how to find out about the children's health insurance program.

Most Epilepsy Foundation affiliates also operate emergency medication assistance programs. If you have a problem affording your medicine either in a crisis or in general, please contact the affiliate in your area for assistance. Locate your local affiliate or call our Information and Referral staff at (800) EFA-1000 or [phone].

Many pharmaceutical companies also offer patient medication assistance for people who cannot afford the cost of the medications either because their income is too low, or because of an emergency. For specific information about epilepsy medications that may be available through these pharmaceutical company programs at no cost to qualified people, visit the patient care and drug assistance program section on the American Epilepsy Society's Website.

Information about drug assistance programs may also be found on the following websites:

* The website of PhRMA, the trade association of pharmaceutical manufacturers, provides a 19- page guide about each of the drug companies, their programs and information about how to enroll.

* The website of a nonprofit organization called Cancer care provides information about drug assistance programs operated by each of the fifty states and also about programs run by different drug companies.

* The website State Health Facts maintains a chart that indicates which states operate medication assistance programs and provides links to each state's drug assistance program as well as a summary of each state's eligibility rules and benefits.

It is important to know and trust the source(s) of your information as there are several companies that claim to assist the consumer with obtaining necessary prescriptions and medications - but at a cost. Be aware that these companies exist. The Foundation affiliates and the pharmaceutical companies do not charge you to participate in their emergency medication programs. Mail order pharmacy services can offer considerable savings on medications, but prices offered by a mail order pharmacy service should always be compared to prices at your local pharmacy, since these savings can vary from community to community.

Answer 2

Find out who the manufacturer of your medication is, and Google the company, Get all the contact info you can and get in touch with the company's public relations department. Ask them about any programs they offer to patients with financial hardships.
Don't take "no" for an answer. Many companies (Like Merck, for example) offer these programs.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation may be able to provide some answers also.
Finally, check with your local county and state offices to see if you qualify for any assistance.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

You poor thing. I know you are telling the truth and it happens often.
Go to your physician and ask him to get the paperwork for you to apply for cheap or reduced price meds from the drug company. Some drugs cost a lot more and the doctor has to sign to tell them it is required for you to take his prescribed drugs and you can get assistance or free meds.
Also, you can just call his nurse and she will help you get his rear in gear so to speak to get this done.

Answer 4

talk to your doctor. there are programs from drug companies that are based on your income if you meet the income guidelines you may get your meds for free.

Answer 5

have your dr sign you up for ssi disabilities then you are eligible for medicaid and their supplemental insurances